Canada’s Trade Minister, Dominic LeBlanc, and his American counterpart are working on presenting U.S. President Donald Trump with a potential trade deal by Monday, according to sources briefed on the matter. The goal is to offer the joint proposal to Trump a day before the upcoming tariff deadline to allow him time to make a final decision before new tariffs on Canadian imports take effect.
LeBlanc is set to meet with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington on Tuesday, following three face-to-face meetings in as many weeks. Canada’s chief trade negotiator, Janice Charette, also held discussions with officials from the Office of the United States Trade Representative in Washington on Monday.
The negotiations aim to prevent new tariffs on Canadian imports and seek relief from existing sectoral tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, lumber, and autos. Additionally, Canada hopes for an extension of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) after the Trump administration opted not to renew the deal in July.
The impending Aug. 19 deadline marks the point when the U.S. plans to impose 50 per cent tariffs on around five per cent of Canadian exports, including items like alcohol, hockey sticks, and cement. The U.S. has cited various trade issues, such as Canada’s actions against U.S. trade policy and alleged discrimination against U.S. motor vehicles and dairy products.
Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner emphasized the importance of Canada negotiating from a position of strength, urging accountability from Prime Minister Mark Carney to deliver on trade promises. Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre echoed the sentiment, calling for zero tariffs on softwood lumber, an end to sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminum, a tariff-free auto pact, and exemptions to Buy America rules in infrastructure projects.
The ongoing discussions highlight the efforts to secure a beneficial trade agreement between Canada and the U.S. amid escalating trade tensions and tariff threats.